Pogonopus speciosus (Pogonopus)

Botanical names: Pogonopus speciosus, Macrocnemum speciosum

Common names: Pogonopus, Chorcha de gallo

Family: Rubiaceae

Origin: Central America

This plant h from the New World is used as ornamentals. The fruit is a small - to 3/4in, fleshy, somewhat elongated berry containing many seeds. These are rarely seen under South Florida conditions. In some areas of the world (e.g., tropical Africa) the fruit is consumed as subsistance food.

Seeds, which are rarely available, germinate readily at a soil temperature of 66-75F. More commonly, softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings are rooted during the Summer. Plants flower within two years.